Memory is a fickle friend. I'm going to get a little scientific here, but I did do a concentration in cognitive science in undergrad, so sometimes I pretend I know more than I do about memory. One of the leading theories is that memories are nothing more than concepts in your head, and connections between these concepts. There's two main components to memory: encoding and retrieval.
When encoding a memory, you're strengthening relationships between concepts. This will include what you're thinking about, but it also includes the state of your body.
When retrieving a memory, you're looking at one concept and using those strong connections you've been building to help you relate the concept in front of you to the concept you need. Two things help with retrieval: having strong connections, and making sure your concepts are connected to a lot of different things.
So how can you maximize the potential of your encoding/retrieval-machine? Here are some psychology-proven tips and techniques:
- Quiz yourself. Connections are strengthened much more when we have to come up with an answer ourselves, rather than just reading it. In fact, some studies have suggested that quizzing yourself on the material after having read it just once is better than reading it three times. Working with others is a great way to quiz yourself, but flashcards work in a pinch.
- Teach others. Similar to quizzing, teaching requires your brain to process the material incredibly deeply. Form a study group, so that those who are more comfortable with the material can try to strengthen their connections by explaining concepts to people who are perhaps less comfortable with the material.
- Use mnemonic devices. Mnemonic device is just a fancy word for a technique that really helps strengthen connections. For instance, use a rhyme or a song to learn formulas. You may know SOH-CAH-TOA for trig functions, or the quadratic formula to the tune "pop goes the weasel." I've posted some links below to calculus songs that can help you remember the different ideas.
- Break it down. Organize the concepts into easily-digestible chunks. Try organizing in several different ways as well. This allows your brain to group concepts in many different ways.
- Change it up. If you only study in one way, you're going to have made relatively few connections, even if those connections are strong. Have you ever felt like you had all the information down, yet can't seem to recall any of it when you get to your class? This might be because you haven't created enough cues. Try studying in different places, at different times of day, with different people, and in different ways. Make giant swooping motions in the air. Write on a board. Make diagrams. Talk out loud to yourself.
- Keep something the same. If your mind is in a similar state at retrieval as it was at encoding, you're likely to remember more. For instance, chew a strong-flavored gum while studying, and chew the same gum during the test. Listen to a catchy song while studying, and sing it (to yourself!) during the test. Or even go after hours and study in the seat you'll take the test in!
- Get a good night's sleep. All the studying in the world can't make up for sleep. Psychologists aren't exactly sure what sleep does, but they all agree that it's very, very important. Sleep will make you less anxious, and make your brain run smoothly the day of the test.